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Since the state Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a wolf conservation and management plan in December 2011, the wolf population in Washington is growing and spreading. A survey last year showed there were at least 68 gray wolves in 16 packs in Washington.

Ware will talk about whether Washington citizens are ready for wolves and the management challenges the animals present. Last year a breeding female was killed in an effort to stop the Huckleberry Pack from preying on sheep in Stevens County.

The evening will begin with social time at 7 p.m., with Ware’s program starting at 7:30 p.m. It will take place at First Christian Church, 701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia.

Fishing

Advisory group forming on Peninsula steelhead

Nominations are being sought from people interested in serving on the state’s new North Coast Steelhead Advisory Group. The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting nominations through May 22.

Up to 12 individuals will be chosen to serve on the ad hoc advisory group, which is expected to meet several times this year. The meetings will begin as early as June. Terms will end June 30, 2017.

Members will evaluate the existing steelhead regulations and hatchery production for North Olympic Peninsula’s rivers and streams, according to a department news release. They will also consider proposed rules for 2016-17 and will be expected to craft alternatives that promote sustainable fisheries and meet the agency’s conservation goals, said Steve Thiesfeld, regional fish program manager.

The department hopes to attract members who represent diverse interests. Candidates should be familiar with the Quillayute, Queets, Hoh and Clearwater rivers.

Washington will receive more than $22 million to support critical fish and wildlife conservation and recreation projects. The funds are part of the $1.1 billion being awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Last year, the state received more than $20 million.

The funds are generated by the hunting and angling industry through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration programs. Revenues come from excise taxes on sporting firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment, electric boat motors, and from taxes on the purchase of motorboat fuel.

Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson funds are distributed by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program. Since their start, the programs have generated more than $15 billion to conserve fish and wildlife resources and support outdoor recreation opportunities. State fish and wildlife agencies have matched these funds with more than $5 billion over the years, mostly through hunting and fishing license revenues.